Guests Learn Digital Photography and Video Editing, Blogging and Web
Skills While Cruising
SEATTLE, June 6 /CNW/ -- Guests on Holland America Line ships will be
able to "show and tell" their vacation memories when the companies launch
Holland America Line Digital Workshop powered by Microsoft Windows on the ms
Amsterdam and the ms Oosterdam, followed by the ms Westerdam in June and the
line's new Signature-class, 2,104-passenger ship, the ms Eurodam, in July,
expanding fleet wide within 18 months. Free workshops led by Microsoft-trained
"techsperts" will show even the most novice camera or computer user how to
take better vacation photos, make movies, edit pictures and create scrapbooks
using a variety of Microsoft Windows and Windows Live services. Guests will
learn how to share all their digital memories through email, blogging and
social networking -- so friends and family can see where they've been cruising
even before they return home.
"Holland America Line is constantly looking for ways to enhance our
enrichment offerings to our guests," says Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive
vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "It was a natural fit to
team up with the world's software leader to provide this interactive
'edutainment.' Not only will guests have fun learning how to document and
share their memories, they'll take home new knowledge and confidence in
technology."
"We are excited to be working with the Holland America Line, the
highest-rated premium cruise line in the world, to provide this innovative and
immersive program," said Debbie Anderson, Director of Windows Consumer
Marketing, Microsoft Corporation. "With the Holland America Digital Workshop,
cruise guests will be able to use Microsoft Windows and Windows Live to share
their experiences with friends and family in a relaxed setting as they sail to
exotic destinations around the world. It's thrilling to see that even in the
middle of the Pacific Ocean, Windows can help people make memories and stay in
touch in fun new ways."
The program, which is complimentary and has its own dedicated space on
each ship, kicks off with a 50-minute session. Called "Just Shoot Me," the
session provides tips and tricks on how to take the best pictures, and
introduces passengers to onboard editing and movie-making resources available
on the cruise, including Windows Live Photo Gallery and Windows Movie Maker.
The "Just Shoot Me" session will be followed by jargon-free interactive
sessions, also 50-minutes in length, designed for smaller groups to try out
the technologies themselves in a hands-on environment. These workshops
include:
-- On the Download -- How to move images between a digital camera and a
Windows-based personal computer, with basic instruction.
-- Put Your Best Face Forward -- How to crop and color-correct digital
photos and easily create panoramic pictures by stitching photos
together using Windows Live Photo Gallery.
-- Your "Home Away From Home" Movie -- How to add music, special effects
and titles to your videos and publish to a DVD using Windows Movie
Maker.
-- Show and Tell -- How to create and upload photos to a personal Web
page, invite friends to view the Web page and email photos using a
variety of Windows Live services.
-- Your 15 Minutes of Fame -- How to turn your vacation journal into a
blog by creating a basic Web page and blog entries using Windows Live
Spaces and Windows Live Writer.
-- A Click Ahead -- How to design a photo card and a basic scrapbook, as
well as how to order notepads, stickers, posters and other
photo-related items from the Internet using Windows Live Photo
Gallery.
The digital workshop showcases state of the art technology provided and
maintained by Microsoft -- including Windows Vista-certified computers,
servers, printers, scanners and a wireless network. The workshops will also
feature flat screen TVs for easy viewing of videos and "techspert"
demonstrations.
Guests can choose to attend all or just some of the workshops, each which
will be offered at various times and days throughout each cruise. Multiple
workshops will be held every day. In addition, one-on-one coaching, called
"Techspert Time," will also be available for over 20 hours each week.
- http://www.hollandamerica.com -
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in
software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their
full potential.
About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc
(NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line's fleet of 13 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to 314
ports of call in 97 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 108-day
itineraries visit all seven continents, including Antarctica, South America,
Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular
sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe
and Panama Canal. A 14th ship, ms Eurodam, sails its Maiden Voyage in July
2008.
Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements,
totaling more than $425 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center
presented by Food &amp; Wine magazine -- a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen
where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking
demonstrations and classes -- Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times,
teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by
flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.
World's Leading Cruise Lines
The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world, Holland America Line
is a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also
includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise
Line and Costa Cruises. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a
commitment to quality and value, these lines appeal to a wide range of
lifestyles and budgets. The World's Leading Cruise Lines offer exciting and
enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.
CONTACT: Rose Abello
PHONE: 800-637-5029
FAX: 206-262-5934
EMAIL: pr@hollandamerica.com
CONTACT: Mac Brown
PHONE: 503-443-7000
EMAIL: macb@waggeneredstrom.com
CONTACT: Rapid Response Team
PHONE: 503-443-7223
EMAIL: rrt@waggeneredstrom.com
Editors Note: Photos available. Contact Donita Dooley at
ddooley@hollandamerica.com or (206) 301-5439